Douglas hunter, 56, found dead

Police were investigating the shooting death of a 56-year-old local hunter whose body was found by other hunters in the woods off West Street this morning.

The shooting did not appear to be suspicious, according to District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death, according to a statement from Mr. Early's office. The identity of the dead hunter was not released tonight pending notification of his next of kin.

The hunter's body was found about 10:30 a.m. by other hunters who called 911. Police arrived and gathered yesterday on a dirt road off West Street that leads to a sand pit, across from a cemetery.

The death is being investigated by state police detectives assigned to the District Attorney's Office as well as State Police Crime Scene Services and Firearms Identification Section, state Environmental Police and Douglas police.

No further details were available tonight.

For hunters, today marks the first day of shotgun deer season in Massachusetts.